If you have not already
heard the word Catechist
you will perhaps have heard of the Catechism, which might give you a clue
to what catechesis means and what a catechesis is.
A dictionary definition usually goes
something like, 'one that catechises, a teacher of catechumens.'
That isn't very helpful, is it?
Webster's Third Interational Dictionary,
1961, also includes 'in some mission churches and, a Christian native who
teaches.'
Catechesis, catechist, catechumen are
words that have become associated more with Roman Catholics although they are
words from the Greek, meaning 'to instruct'. A Catechist is more than an
instructor. A Catechist, in addition to passing on information about God
in Christianity, tried to help the one being catechised grow in an ever closer
relationship with Jesus Christ. To do this well a Catechist needs not only
simple piety but a deep faith in Christ together with a sound understanding of
the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
It is recognised that some lay people have
a vocation to be catechists and to receive from the Church mission to catechise.
(See Para 231, General Directory for Catechesis) In the mission countries
local people are trained to be full-time catechists, able to carry out many
tasks not proper to ordained clergy, that is, they can proclaim the Good News of
the Gospel, teach the Faith, baptise, perform marriages and bury the dead.
They are commissioned to do this work but do not take vows and are encouraged to
marry.
In Western countries lay catechists are
commissioned to help the priest in their parish. This usually means
they worked with children who are not able to receive their Catholic education
in school. Catechists are becoming more and more involved in the religious
education of Catholic adults and those preparing to be received into the
Catholic Church.
The Bishop is the first Catechist in his
Diocese and is responsible for all catechetical work carried out in that
Diocese. Priests and Religious, Parents or childless couples and single
people, all who have received the Sacraments of Initiating (Baptism, Eucharist
and Confirmation) are called to engage in Catechesis. Sometimes being a
Catechist is full-time paid work. Most often it is not. Vast numbers of
people devote many hours to the work of catechising. All the baptised are
called to proclaim the Gospel.
For a more in-depth look at Catechesis,
take a look at some of the other Web sites which deal with this subject through
the following links:
General
Catechetical Directory
Papal
Encyclicals On Line
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
Ogilvie
Institute
